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We hold that the cosmos is not an infinite resource to be exploited, but a shared ancestral commons vital to the cultural, scientific, and ecological heritage of all humanity. As commercial and state actors rapidly industrialize low-Earth orbit, the Center for Space Environmentalism is committed to ensuring that this unprecedented expansion is guided by the principles of accountability and long-term sustainability. Informed by the CSE Manifesto, our 2026-2030 Strategic Plan provides a pragmatic, interdisciplinary roadmap to steward the Earth-space continuum. By bridging the gap between rigorous scientific monitoring, realistic policy proposals, legal advocacy and grassroots cultural movements, we will work to establish a sustainable framework in which space exploration honors our shared sky, preserves the integrity of outer space, and protects the communities most vulnerable to its industrialization.
Goal 1: Raise public attention to the concept of outer space as an environment
Goal 1: Raise public attention to the concept of outer space as an environment
In an era of rapid commercial expansion into outer space, it is more critical than ever to recognize that space is not an empty void, but rather a shared human environment, intimately connected with our atmosphere, oceans, and land. Our first goal focuses on elevating public awareness of this reality. Drawing on our deep well of scientific and communications expertise, we will serve as a trusted, reliable hub of information for both the public and decision-makers. By proactively sharing timely, evidence-based insights and partnering with like-minded groups, we will promote a global understanding of the space environment, a foundational step that makes all of our broader protection efforts possible and realistic.
Goal 2: Build space environmentalism as a growing artistic movement and an arena of interdisciplinarity
Goal 2: Build space environmentalism as a growing artistic movement and an arena of interdisciplinarity
Education and policy reach the mind that listens, but art captures the heart that’s unaware. Because the night sky belongs to everyone, our second goal seeks to activate the public perspective and elevate its voice in the era of “New Space”. Leveraging our team’s background in curation and cultural collaboration, we will engage artists and local communities worldwide to develop an ongoing historical record of the intangible value the night sky holds for us all. This approach translates the actions of large, seemingly inaccessible space actors into shared cultural experiences, ensuring all users of the night sky stand on equal footing alongside decision makers. Success ensures that the movement to protect the cosmos from relentless alteration is rooted in profound human connection.
Goal 3: Hold space actors accountable for environmental damage, especially to marginalized and working class communities
Goal 3: Hold space actors accountable for environmental damage, especially to marginalized and working class communities
The consequences of space industrialization, from launch-site destruction to restricted land access, often fall disproportionately on marginalized and working-class communities. Our third goal ensures these voices are no longer routinely excluded from the narrative. By emphasizing environmental justice and advocacy, we will work in solidarity with grassroots organizations that are already defending their local environments from the impacts of space-related activities. By systematically documenting these impacts and amplifying equitable visions for space exploration, we will take tangible, grounded steps to ensure the New Space age does not repeat the exploitative mistakes of the past.
Goal 4: Define a public policy vision and strategy
Goal 4: Define a public policy vision and strategy
The current lack of a robust international space policy regime leaves our orbital environment vulnerable to unchecked exploitation. To counter this, our fourth goal is to proactively define a comprehensive, evidence-based policy playbook. Relying on our extensive legal and regulatory knowledge, we will map out clear, ready-to-implement frameworks that prioritize environmental stewardship. Doing the rigorous analytical work now enables action when political windows open such that we already have practical, vetted solutions ready for lawmakers and regulators to adopt.
Goal 5: Grow a body of case law supporting enforcement of responsible space policies
Goal 5: Grow a body of case law supporting enforcement of responsible space policies
A vision without enforcement is just a wish, which is why our fifth goal grounds our mission in the rule of law. We recognize that durable protection of the space environment requires holding bad actors accountable through concrete legal precedents. Utilizing our network of specialized environmental and space lawyers, we will take a highly strategic, measured approach to participating in the legal system. By advocating for the expansion of legal standing for the space environment, we will build a robust, realistic legal framework that ensures space actors operate responsibly within established boundaries.
Goal 6: Achieve Observer status at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
Goal 6: Achieve Observer status at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
To truly secure the long-term sustainability of the space environment, our advocacy must transition from the sidelines to the center of global diplomacy. Our sixth goal is to achieve formal Observer status at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). Through careful networking and the submission of expert technical reports, our team is uniquely positioned to inject the "voice of the environment" directly into international diplomatic discussions. This is a sensible and highly impactful milestone that solidifies our role as a recognized actor capable of shaping global norms in real time.
Goal 7: Establish an annual transdisciplinary space environmentalism symposium
Goal 7: Establish an annual transdisciplinary space environmentalism symposium
Solving the complex challenges of space environmentalism requires breaking down the existing silos separating industry, academia, art, and the public. Our final goal is to establish an annual, action-oriented Space Environmentalism Symposium. Guided by our extensive experience in cross-disciplinary collaboration, this event will serve as a dynamic incubator where diverse stakeholders can share knowledge and mobilize around tangible projects. By starting practically and growing alongside our coalition, we will steadily build a premier global forum that drives measurable, collective action to protect the Earth-space continuum.
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